Summer into Autumn with Ynysfach WI

It seems a dim memory now but at the end of August we enjoyed a wonderful day at Blenheim Palace.

We were blessed with the most beautiful weather in which to explore the magnificent house and glorious grounds.

The Palace is, of course, steeped in history, from 1704 when the estate was given by a grateful country to the Duke of Marlborough following his success at the Battle of Blenheim, up to the present day when it is celebrated as the childhood home of Winston Churchill.

The magnificent interiors and excellent incorporated exhibitions make it a hugely enjoyable and interesting place to visit – highly recommended!

In September we enjoyed ‘ a most diverting evening in the most fashionable company’!  June Ashton- Mears was our speaker. She makes accurately detailed copies of Victorian costumes (mostly using recycled fabrics!) they really were beautiful – although the six of us that modelled the gowns were relieved that we were not asked to wear the original corsetry on display!

 

Our gallant models were June Davies, Dot Evans, Carole Jeffrey, Jean Hill and me, led by Brenda Rees dressed as Queen Victoria herself.

I don’t know if you have tried to sit down while wearing a crinoline but…….!

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, our speaker was amusing and informative and had brought along many original accessories to show us. June’s husband took some very professional looking photos of us, including Brenda as a very regal Queen Victoria and Jean taking an elegant stroll.

It was a fashion show of a rather more relaxed style that we experienced at the end of the month.  Along with a few other WIs we attended a ‘Lunch and Fashion Show’ at Norton House Hotel, Mumbles. The lunch was delicious and the fashions from Solo and Goose Island were altogether more casual – not a crinoline or bustle in sight!

JEN COLLEY (President Ynysfach W.I)